Ajinkya Soundankar Honored with Judge's Choice for Rising Star Chef of the Year at the Middle East Chef Excellence Awards 2024
Ajinkya Soundankar, Executive Chef at NH Collection Dubai The Palm, achieved an extraordinary milestone by receiving the Judge's Choice award for Rising Star Chef of the Year at the prestigious 7th Middle East Chef Excellence Awards 2024.
The event, held on June 7 at JW Marriott Dubai Marina and organized by Hozpitality Group, honored culinary professionals who exemplify exceptional talent and dedication to their craft. Ajinkya's accolade was presented by Ibrahim Yaqoot, Executive Director of Dubai Tourism and Economy, and Raj Bhatt, CEO of Hozpitality Group, highlighting his significant contributions to the culinary arts.
With a career spanning over 16 years, Ajinkya Soundankar brings a wealth of expertise and innovation to his role. His journey began with a solid foundation in hospitality, where he earned a bachelor's degree in hotel management with a specialization in catering and nutrition from IHM Ahmedabad. He further honed his skills through specialized training at The Culinary Institute of America, focusing on Baking and Pastry Arts & Operations in New York.
Pivotal roles at renowned establishments worldwide mark Ajinkya's professional journey. Notably, he served as an Executive Chef at Anantara Hotels, Resorts, and Spas, managing extensive culinary operations and pioneering innovative menu developments. His tenure at Shangri-La Group in Bangkok showcased his adeptness in managing daily pastry operations across multiple outlets, catering to diverse palates with creativity and finesse.
At NH Collection Dubai The Palm, Ajinkya Soundankar continues to elevate culinary standards with his hands-on leadership style. He emphasizes results-oriented management and meticulous attention to maintaining operational efficiency and profitability. His expertise spans pre-openings, cost control, training, and development, underpinned by certifications in HACCP (Hazardous Critical Control Points) and ISO 22000 (International Organization for Standardization).
Hozpitality Group, as the organizer of the awards, expressed gratitude to its industry partners whose support was instrumental in making the event a resounding success. The collaboration with JW Marriott Dubai Marina, ICCA, Restofair RAK, Rak Porcelain, US Beef, Taaza, MasterBaker, Absolute Frame, Fushia Events, African & Eastern, Watermelon, Convotherm, and Welbilt ensured a memorable celebration of culinary excellence.
Meela Seenarain
Dubai, United Arab Emirates UAE